Chopin: Scherzo No. 4 in E Major / Barcarolle in F-Sharp Major

Featuring

Roland Pöntinen
Frédéric Chopin

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Performer Biography

Roland Pöntinen, the pianist on this recording, debuted with the Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra at the age of 17 and is now a professor of piano at the Edsberg Musical Institute.

Compositional Technique

Chopin's Mazurkas, a genre he composed about fifty of, held special interest for him as they reminded him of his Polish homeland, originating from the Mazurian plains.

Compositional Technique

Many of Chopin's bold harmonies arose from his feeling for the piano medium, often writing chords because they were 'good to play' rather than strictly adhering to theoretical rules.

Composer Biography

Chopin, like many artists of his time, suffered from tuberculosis, a widespread disease that affected numerous creative figures.

Critical Reception

Chopin's fame during his lifetime was often attributed more to his Nocturnes than to any other part of his output.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Chopin was a musical innovator, particularly in harmony, with some of his chord progressions defying analysis by the theories of his own time.

Compositional Technique

Unlike his contemporary Liszt, Chopin did not write programme music, and his four Ballades have no explicit programme or connection to medieval or Renaissance ballads.